Working Holiday Visa Australia (417/462)

Working Holiday Visa

If you’re 18 to 30 and have a passport from a country in the Working Holiday Maker program, you could qualify for a 12-month visa that lets you work while exploring Australia.

Take a look at the full list of requirements below to find out if you’re eligible and what you’ll need to apply.

Visa Requirements
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Working Holiday Visa Australia

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What is a Working Holiday Visa?

The Australian Government created the Working Holiday Visa (WHV) to allow young travelers and backpackers from eligible countries to help fund an extended travel period in Australia.

You can spend your whole time living in one location or travel cross-country, meet new people, learn about Australia’s culture, obtain new skills, and explore the vastly diverse landscapes Australia has to offer.

If you undertake regional work, you may be able to extend your working holiday visa. By extending your working holiday visa, you can stay up to 3 years, but with each year there are a few additional requirements that you’ll need to meet.

Check out the requirements down below. Got questions? Please don’t hesitate to contact us.

Working Holiday Visa Benefits

The WHV allows you to work and study in Australia

Work for up to 6 months full-time for any one employer

Study for up to 4 months on the WHV

Enter and leave Australia as many times as you like

Live in one location or travel cross-country

You might consider a Student Visa if:

You're mostly interested in studying because a Student Visa permits you to work and study in Australia for the duration of your course

You wish to work more than 6 months for one employer then you might consider a Student Visa which allows you to work 48h per fortnight.

View Student Visa

Subclass 417 vs Subclass 462

The Australian Working Holiday Visa comes in two types. Which one you apply for depends entirely on your passport country.
Are you Eligible?

Subclass 417

For passport holders from: Belgium, Canada, Republic of Cyprus, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Republic of Ireland, Italy, Japan, Republic of Korea, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, Taiwan, United Kingdom.

Age limit: 18–30 (18–35 for Canadian, French, Irish, and the United Kingdom passport holders)

Stay: Up to 12 months

No annual cap on first visa applications

Subclass 462

For passport holders from: Argentina, Austria, Brazil, Chile, China, Czech Republic, Ecuador, Greece, Hungary, India, Indonesia, Israel, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Mongolia, Papua New Guinea, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, San Marino, Singapore, Slovak Republic, Slovenia, Spain, Switzerland, Thailand, Turkey, Uruguay, United States of America, Vietnam.

Age limit: 18–30

Stay: Up to 12 months

Annual caps apply per country (varies by country and ranges from a few hundred to several thousand places per year)

China, India, and Vietnam require a ballot (random selection) before you can apply

Both visas allow you to:

R
Work in Australia to fund your stay
R
Study for up to 4 months
R
Work up to 6 months with the same employer (Note: exemptions may apply in certain industries such as agriculture, tourism in Northern Australia, and aged care)
R
Enter and leave Australia multiple times during the 12-month period

Can You Stay Longer Than 12 Months?

Second and Third Year Explained
Schedule a Consultation

Extension options

Both the 417 and 462 visa can be extended, up to three years in total, if you complete approved regional work during your stay.

To get a second year (2nd visa)

Complete 3 months (88 days) of specified work in a regional area of Australia while on your first visa.

To get a third year (3rd visa)

Complete 6 months (179 days) of specified work while on your second visa (on or after 1 July 2019).
There is no annual cap on second or third visas. If you meet the work requirement, you can apply regardless of your country’s cap status.

What counts as specified work?

The regional work must be in one of these approved industries and locations:

Plant and animal cultivation — fruit picking, harvesting, dairy farming, shearing (regional Australia)

Tourism and hospitality — in Northern, Remote, or Very Remote Australia

Construction in Northern Australia

Fishing and pearling in Northern Australia

Natural disaster recovery work in declared areas

Work can be full-time, part-time, or casual and can be spread across multiple employers and locations, as long as you reach the required number of days.

Working Holiday Visa Australia Requirements

We’ve put together a list of requirements with detailed information, but if you have any questions or concerns then don’t hesitate to contact us.
Check your Eligibility
E

Valid passport

E

Between age 18 - 31

E

No previous WHV

E

Outside of Australia

E

Sufficient finances

E

Meet health requirement

E

Meet character requirement

E

Meet other criteria

Must have a valid passport

The Working Holiday Visa (subclass 417 or subclass 462) is for citizens of certain eligible countries. The specific subclass you’ll apply for depends on the country you are from.

Subclass 417 is for passport holders of:
Belgium, Canada, Republic of Cyprus, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China (including British National Overseas passport holders), Republic of Ireland, Italy, Japan, Republic of Korea, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, Taiwan (other than an official or diplomatic passport), The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland

Subclass 462 if for passport holders of:
Argentina, Austria, Chile, China, People’s Republic of Czech Republic, Philippines, India, Ecuador, Greece, Hungary, Indonesia, Israel, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Peru, Poland, Portugal, San Marino, Singapore, Slovak Republic, Slovenia, Spain, Thailand, Turkey, Uruguay, United States of America, Vietnam

Must be in between the required 18-31 age limit

(or 36 for French, Irish, or Canadian citizens)

Eligibility for the Working Holiday Visa (subclass 417 and 462), at the time of application, include:

  • Over 18 years of age
  • Under 31 years of age

If you are a citizen of Ireland, France or Canada, you must be under 36 years of age.

Important: If you don’t meet the age requirement for the WHV, you can still be able to live, work, and study in Australia on a Student Visa, which has no age limit.

No previous WHV subclass 417 or 462

If you have previously held or currently hold a WHV and have completed certain Specified Regional Work, you may be eligible to extend your time in Australia for a Second or Third Year.

If you already had a First Year WHV but do not qualify for the Second or Third Year WHV, you may still be able to live, study, and work in Australia on a Student Visa.

Must be outside of Australia

At the time of application and time of grant, you must be out of the country when applying for the First Year Working Holiday Visa.

If you are already in Australia and are looking to extend your stay, you may want to consider a Student Visa.

You must have enough funds to:

  • Support yourself for your initial stay in Australia (est $5,000)
  • Purchase a departure ticket out of the country.

Meeting the health requirement

Based on your home country, travel history, or medical history, you might have to undergo a health exam before your visa is granted.

Health insurance is recommended for your time in Australia.

You can learn more specifics from the Health Requirement posted by the Australian Department of Home Affairs.

Meeting the character requirement

In order to visit or live in Australia, you must meet what’s needed to show if you are of good character and will abide by the laws and values of Australia. In some cases, you will be required to provide evidence, such as:

  • Police checks
  • Military certificates
  • Explanations

Visit the Department of Home Affairs’ website to learn more details.

Meeting other necessary standards

  • Pay any debts – You and your family members must repay or arrange repayment of any money owed to the Australian Government.

  • Visa history check – Past visa refusals or cancellations may affect your eligibility.

  • Possible exceptions – You might still be able to apply for a permanent visa despite previous refusals or cancellations.

  • Applying from offshore – Before applying for a visa from outside Australia, make sure you’re actually permitted to travel and enter the country under current Australian government entry rules.

  • Australian Values Statement – You must sign and acknowledge your commitment to respect Australian values and obey Australian laws when applying.

Get help if needed . You can seek assistance from registered migration agents.

Applying for the Working Holiday Visa Australia

If you meet the criteria for the Working Holiday Visa, then you can apply now! Here are the Steps to Apply for the Working Holiday Visa

Need help with Application?

Applying for WHV

When applying for a WHV, here are several requirements to keep in mind:

Copy of passport

Bank statement

Police clearance

Evidence of Education

English ability

Letter of support from your government

After lodging & paid the application fee, you’ll:

Receive an acknowledgement letter

Receive your visa grant notice as long as you’ve provided the required documents

Visa Application Fee: $670
Visa processing time: less than 24 hours (but we suggest to apply 6 months prior)

YouTube video
E

Prepare to Apply

E

Gather the Documents

E

Apply for the Visa

E

Pay the Visa Application Fee

E

Check for Correspondences

E

Wait for a Decision

Step 1: Prepare to Apply

Contact a migration agent and check if there are any caps or limits on the WHV allotment for the year.

Immigration imposes annual limits for the number of First Year Working Holiday Visas available to certain countries each year. Once the limit is reached, no more WHV will be issued for that year. The limits reset every 1 July. You can check the status of the WHV caps here:

If the cap has been reached for your country, you may still be able to live, work and study in Australia on a Student Visa.

Arrange Your Health Exams

  • Pro Tip: If you are certain you will be required to undertake a health examination, do it before you apply to expedite the process.
  • If you are unsure whether or not you will need to undertake a medical examination, you can simply wait for Immigration to request it.

Get Assistance with Your Application

While you are not required to hire a Migration Agent to assist you on your WHV application,we’d be happy to assist you! Contact us today by clicking on the Book a Consultation link below.

Step 2: Gather the Required Documents

You will need to supply certain documents and evidence to support your application. Here is a general list of documents you may need to provide:

  • Identity Documents

You must provide:

  • Passport Bio Page
  • Full Birth Certificate, showing parents’ names

You may need to provide evidence of Name Change, if applicable, such as:

  • Marriage or Divorce Certificate
  • Deed Poll
  • Official documentation of name change
  • Evidence of Sufficient Funds
    • Bank Statement
    • Line of Credit
  • Character Documents

You may be required to provide:

  • Police Checks for Australia

This is usually requested if you’ve committed a crime and have spent a total of 12 months or more in Australia in the last 10 years since turning 16)

  • Overseas Police Checks

This is usually requested if you’ve committed a crime. A police check is required for each country where you’ve resided for a total of 12 months or more in the last 10 years, since turning 16

  • Military Service Records

This is usually required if you’ve previously served in the military or if you are from a country that has mandatory military service.

  • Documents Specific for Subclass 462
    • Education Documents
    • English Language Documents
    • Letter of Support from Government

*Note: All documents must be translated to English by an accredited translator. The evidence must be organized, clear, in colour, and under 5MB (if submitting the application online).

Depending on your individual circumstances, you will need to require specific documentation and evidence. If you are unsure of what is required, we may be able to assist you.

Step 3: Complete the Visa Application

Most Applicants will be required to apply online. Here’s how:

  • Login or create an ImmiAccount.
  • Complete the Online Application Form
  • Attach the Documents

How to Apply on Paper:
Please note: Paper applications will not be accepted from Applicants who are eligible to apply online.

All Subclass 417 Visa Applicants must apply online.

Subclass 462 Visa Applicants from the following countries must apply online:

Argentina, Austria, Chile, Czech Republic, Ecuador, Greece, Hungary, Indonesia, Israel, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Peru, Poland, Portugal, San Marino, Singapore, Slovenia, Slovak Republic, Spain, Thailand, Turkey, United States of America, Uruguay, Vietnam

If you hold a passport from the People’s Republic of China, you are required to apply in person at an Australia Visa Application Centre.

Tips for Completing the Visa Application Form
Be truthful

  • Do not lie on the Application.
  • Providing false or misleading statements or information that conflicts with previous visa applications can result in delays in processing or a refusal.

Be thorough and accurate

  • Provide all information requested on the Application.
  • Providing insufficient or inadequate information may delay the processing of your application

Review the Application before submitting

  • Ensure your name, passport number, date of birth, and all other biographical information is accurate.
  • Providing incorrect information may cause issues with the validity of your visa

Step 4: Pay the Visa Application Fee

As of 5th June 2024, the fee for the Working Holiday Subclass 417 and 462 Visa is: $670 AUD.

(This fee is subject to change. Please check the Department of Home Affairs’ website.)

Online Applications

  • You will be able to pay online at the end of the Application.
  • You can pay via: Credit Card, PayPal, UnionPay, or BPAY (fees may apply)
  • Your application will not be processed until you pay the Application Fee

Paper Applications

  • If you apply in person, you can pay at the time of application.
  • If you mail the application, Immigration will send an invoice.

Step 5: Check for Correspondences and Notify Immigration of Any Changes

  • If you are required to provide more information or undertake a medical examination or biometrics collection, Immigration will notify you or your nominated agent.
  • If you made a mistake on your submitted application, if there have been any changes in your circumstances or if you want to change or nominate an agent, you must inform immigration.

Step 6: Wait for a Decision

Processing Time of Working Holiday Visa Applications

Subclass 417
On average, it takes between 17 and 30 days to process a WHV subclass 417 Application

Subclass 462
It takes anywhere from 46 to 62 days to process most WHV Subclass 462 Applications.

How to Speed-Up Processing of My WHV Application

While you cannot speed up the processing of your WHV application, you can take certain measures to ensure it is not delayed. Here are some tips to follow to avoid delays in processing:

  • Must have a passport from an eligible country or jurisdiction
  • Apply for the correct subclass
  • Provide accurate, thorough and truthful answers to your visa application
  • Provide all required documentation and evidence
  • Provide clear, colour images of your documents
  • Make sure all documents are in English and translated by an approved translator
  • Undertake your health exams and/or biometrics collections before requested by immigration if you know you will be required to do so
  • Provide correct contact information and update immigration if these details change
  • Check your “Spam” folder in your email for any electronic correspondences
  • Seek assistance from a professional if you are unsure of the application process.
  • In general, we advise against booking your travel to Australia before your visa is approved.

Can you apply for a student visa from a WHV?

Yes, you can. Applicants who have applied for a student visa from onshore and have been granted a Bridging Visa.

Book a COnsult

From WHV to Student Visa

Once you have applied for a student visa from onshore you are generally automatically granted a Bridging Visa (BV) immediately. It is not a separate application for a bridging visa and there is no visa application charge for a bridging visa. A BV simply allows you to remain in Australian whilst a decision is made on your student visa.

Some things to note:

  • You will only move onto the BV once your previous visa expires.
  • Your bridging visa will have the same work rights and conditions as your previous visa.
  • Once your student visa is granted you will automatically have the work rights of the student visa.

For a more detailed explanation, learn more in the link below.

Request More Info
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Frequently Asked Questions

We’ve put together a list of commonly asked questions with answers. Hopefully you’ll find an instant answer to your question, but if your question is not listed here then feel free to get in touch with us.
Schedule a Consultation

When can I enter Australia on the WHV?

Once your First WHV is approved, you may enter Australia anytime within one year from the date that your visa was granted.

How long can I stay in Australia on the First Year WHV?

Your WHV is “activated” as soon as you arrive in Australia. It will be valid for 12 months from the date you set foot in Australia.

You should be sure to know the exact date that your WHV expires to avoid overstaying your visa, which can negatively impact your ability to apply for visas to Australia in the future.

What do I need to do once I arrive in Australia?

Once you arrive in Australia, you will need to get a few tasks done before you begin working.

What kind of work can I do on the WHV?

You can undertake any type of legal work in Australia, with certain rights and conditions. Please note, you cannot work for the same employer for longer than six months without permission from the Australian government.

You may be able to work for the same employer for more than six months without permission if:

  • The work is in different locations and work in any one of the locations is not more than six months; or
  • The work qualifies as Regional Specified Work 

Some other things to consider are:

  • The six months is calculated based on the duration of employment and not the number of hours worked.
  • This condition resets when:
    • You have been granted a second WHV, or
    • A bridging visa comes into effect (after your WHV expires)

If you want to apply for the Second Year WHV, you must undertake certain Regional Specified Work. 

No matter what type of work you undertake, you are protected by certain rights and entitlements. Know your rights to avoid unfair wages or work conditions. 

Can I extend my Working Holiday Visa?

The requirements and eligibility criteria are different depending on whether you are applying for the First Year WHV or if you want to extend your WHV into the Second or Third Year.

This article is for travelers who have never before held a WHV. If you are looking to extend you Working Holiday Visa, you will need to meet additional criteria.

What Counts as “Farm Work” for the Second Working Holiday Visa?

In order to apply for a Second Year WHV, you must complete 88 days (or three calendar months) of Regional Specified Work while on your First Year WHV.

Regional Specified Work, often called “Rural Farm Work” is certain types of work in certain industries undertaken in certain areas in Australia. The work and locations will depend on your WHV subclass. The industries are:

  • Subclass 417
    • Plant and Animal Cultivation
    • Fishing and Pearling
    • Tree Farming and Felling
    • Mining
    • Construction
  • Subclass 462
    • Plant and animal cultivation
    • Fishing and Pearling
    • Tree Farming and Felling
    • Tourism and Hospitality

To learn more about what constitutes Specified Work and how to apply for the Second Year WHV, 

Always be sure the work you are undertaking qualifies as Regional Specified Work. If you are unsure, contact us or book a consultation to speak with a Migration Agent.

How can I find “Farm Work” for my WHV?

There are countless options for undertaking regional specified work or seasonal farm work. If you are prepared, you can choose the type of work that is best suited to your preference of location and tasks. For instance, if you do not like the heat, avoid places like the Outback or Northern Territory in the summertime. If you don’t like manual labour, choose a task like fruit sorting, rather than fruit picking.

You can find specified work vacancies through employment pages in newspapers, through job placement agencies, and online job postings.Here are some links where you can search for possible farm work options:

Please be aware that not all jobs posted on the above website necessarily qualify as Regional Specified Work as required for the Second Year WHV.

When do I need to complete my Farm Work for the Second Year WHV?

You must undertake your 88 days/3 months of farm work before your First Year WHV expires. This means, at the very latest, you will need to begin your farm work after being in Australia for nine months.

You can undertake this work either at one place or multiple locations and it does not have to be completed consecutively. 

We generally recommend that you complete your farm work at the beginning of your WHV. There are several thousand Working Holiday Makers in Australia at any given time, meaning the jobs for farm work fill up fast.

You cannot complete your eligible Farm Work on any other type of visa if you plan to apply for a Second Year WHV.

If you didn’t complete your Farm Work in time, there may still be options for you to remain in Australia, such as applying for a Student Visa.

How to use a WHV to find an employer in Australia?

  • Speak with the employer
  • Check if work qualifies as Specified Work
  • Keep the paperwork
  • Begin as soon as possible

What About Annual Caps on Subclass 462?

Unlike the subclass 417, the subclass 462 has annual caps, a limit on how many first visas are granted per country each program year (1 July to 30 June).

When a country’s cap is reached, applications close for the rest of that year. There is no cap on second or third 462 visas.

Cap status can be:

  • Open — applications accepted now
  • Paused — temporarily stopped to manage volumes; will reopen later in the year
  • Closed — all places for this year are filled; reapply from 1 July

Always check the current cap status on the Department of Home Affairs website before applying.
Sources: Department of Home Affairs — immi.homeaffairs.gov.au

What is the difference between subclass 417 and subclass 462?

Subclass 417 (Working Holiday Visa) and subclass 462 (Work and Holiday Visa) are both 12-month visas for young adults who want to work and travel in Australia. The main difference is eligibility: 417 is for passport holders from 19 specific countries, while 462 covers 30+ additional countries. Both allow you to work, study for up to 4 months, and extend to a second and third year through regional work.

Can I apply for subclass 462 if I am from the Philippines?

Yes. Philippines passport holders are eligible for the subclass 462 Work and Holiday Visa. An annual cap applies, so it is important to check the current cap status before applying. The standard age requirement is 18–30.

Can I extend my subclass 462 for a second or third year?

Yes. Complete 88 days of approved regional work during your first visa to qualify for a second year. Complete a further 179 days to qualify for a third year. There is no annual cap on second or third visas.

How much money do I need for an Australian Working Holiday Visa?

You need at least AUD $5,000 to support yourself when you arrive, plus enough for a return fare. This applies to both subclass 417 and subclass 462.

Do I need to be outside Australia to apply?

Yes. You must be outside Australia when you apply for your first Working Holiday Visa (subclass 417 or 462).

GET IN TOUCH

In case of questions, feel free to reach out to one of our experienced Registered Migration Agents.

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Argentina: +54 11 7368 8134
Fiji: +679 922 3842
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United Kingdom: +44 20 3948 3865
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